Desk construction



Jan. 16, 1968 K. 0. SCHREYER 3,363,955

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Jan. 16, 1968 K. D. SCHREYER 3,363,955

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Jan. 16, 1968 K. o. SCHREYE R DESK CONSTRUCTION l7 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed Oct. 23, 1965 Jan. 16, 1968 K. D. SCHREYER 3,363,955

DESK CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 23, 1965 17 Sheets-Sheet 15 Jan. 16, 1968 K. D. SCHREYER 3,363,955

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I 30 /50 I68 43a United States Patent 3,363,955 DESK CONSTRUCTION Kenneth D. Schreyer, Doylestown, Pa., assignor t0 Lyon Metal Products, Incorporated, Aurora, 11]., a corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 503,157 19 Claims. (Cl. 312-194) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE There is disclosed a desk comprising a top including a. substantially fiat top plate, a reinforcing sheet disposed.

below the top plate and having a plurality of reinforcing ribs and attachment portions extending longitudinally thereof, a pair of spaced apart mounting channels disposed beneath the top plate and extending in the direction of the ribs and secured to the top plate, the reinforcing ribs having an extent in a vertical direction substantially greater than the extent of the mounting channels, an edging extending around the periphery of the top plate and including a dependent side flange that extends down below the mounting channels, a pedestal arranged adjacent to one end of the top and including a body having a front frame positioned at the forward end thereof and a rear top support positioned adjacent to the rear end thereof, the front frame being in general alignment of one of the mounting channels and the top sup port being in alignment with the other mounting channel, means securing the front frame and the top support to the mounting channels thereby to connect the pedestal to the top; and end panel disposed at the other end of the top and having a pair of mounting brackets secured thereto and engagable in the mounting channels thereby to connect the end panel to the top; a back panel disposed adjacent to the rear of the top and extending between the pedestal and the end panel and having a pair of hangers mounted on the upper portion thereof and engagable in the adjacent mounting channel to connect the back panel to the top; clips interconnecting the pedestal and the adjacent end of the back panel and interconnecting the end panel at the adjacent end of the back panel; the dependent side flange on the top extending downwardly below the connections between the top and the pedestal and below the connections between the top and the end panel and below the connections between the top and the side panel; and locking mechanism mounted on the dependent flange and operatively connected to a latch mounted in the pedestal for locking the drawers in the pedestal, the locking mechanism also locking in the closed position a center drawer mounted on the top.

This invention relates to furniture constructions, and particularly to desks, and to improvements in desk components and the interconnection thereof one with the other.

It is a general object of the present invention to pro vide an improved furniture construction, and particularly an improved desk, a single pedestal desk having been selected for illustrative purposes, and fundamentally to provide an improved desk formed essentially of sheet metal that is simple in construction and economical in manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a furniture construction an improved furniture top, the furniture top including a top plate and a reinforcing sheet of ribbed construction secured together by welding to provide high strength, flatness and good sound qualities in the top.

In connection with the foregoing object, another object of the invention is to provide a furniture top of the type Patented Jan. 16, 1968 set forth wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the top plate and the ribbed reinforcement sheet to provide good sound deadening qualities in the furniture top.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a furniture construction an improved furniture top of the type set forth having, on the underside thereof front and rear mounting channels to which all other furniture structures are connected, and to provide an improved nut and channel fastener construction for connecting the furniture parts to the mounting channels.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a furniture construction an improved pedestal, the pedestal including outer walls mounted on a new and improved front frame, the front frame including: two U-shaped channels welded together to form a rectangular frame.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a furniture piece of the type set forth an improved drawer locking arrangement, and particularly an improved locking arrangement wherein the lock is disposed in the furniture top and is connected by suitable mechanism to the latches for locking the drawers.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of the invention to provide an improved locking structure wherein a flexible wire cable is utilized to interconnect the locking mechanism and the latches, lubric guides being utilized to support and to direct the cables.

Still another object of the invention is toprovide an improved locking arrangement of the type set forth, wherein the drawer latches also serve as drawer stops when in the release position thereof to limit the normal outward movement of the drawer with respect to the associated pedestal, the drawers being released by movement of the locking mechanism and the drawer latches to the locking positions thereof.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a new and improved drawer locking arrangement of the type set forth an improved locking arrangement for a center drawer mounted on the furniture top below the locking mechanism, the latch for the center drawer being connected directly to the locking mechanism and also serving as a lever arm for connection to a flexible wire cable for controlling the drawer latches in an adjacent pedestal.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide in a furniture construction an improved back panel, and specifically a back panel for use with the improved furniture top of the present invention, the back panel being of composite construction including a pair of outer metal side walls and a honeycomb construction disposed therebetween and secured thereto by mastic, and a pair of hangers extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with mounting channels on an associated furniture top.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide in a furniture construction of the type set forth an improved end panel of composite construction including a pair of metal side walls receiving therebetween a filler of honeycomb construction secured thereto by mastic to provide a load bearing member, the end panel also including channels and brackets at the upper end thereof for mounting the end panel on the mounting channels of an associated furniture top of the present invention.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the parts whereby the above-outlined and additional features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of construction, together with other objects and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a single pedestal desk 3 made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention; 3

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the desk of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the desk of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the desk illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 is a view of the underside of the top of the desk of FIG. 3 substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 55 thereof, certain portions being broken away and the trim and covering thereon removed;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section through the desk top of FIG. 5 along the lines 6-6 thereof;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section through the desk top of FIG. 5 along the line 77 thereof;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view with certain portions broken away of a corner of the desk top of FIGS. 1 to 4, a portion of the trim being shown in dashed lines in the position thereof immediately prior to installation thereof;

FIG. 9 is a further enlarged view in vertical section similar to FIG. 6 and illustrating specifically the interconnection between the desk top and the pedestal front frame;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section with certain portions broken away along the line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a still further enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of the portion of the desk top within the circle 11 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a still further enlarged view in vertical section along the line 1212 of FIG. 8 and illustrating the mounting of the trim on the edge of the desk top;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 and showing a modification of the trim construction;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pedestal forming a part of the desk of FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the pedestal of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the pedestal of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view with certain portions broken away of the pedestal of FIGS. 14 to 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the front frame forming a part of the pedestal of FIGS. 14 to 17;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the front frame of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top elevational view of the front frame of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a further enlarged view in cross section through the frame of FIG. 18 along the line 2121 thereof;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view illustrating the assembly of the pedestal side Wall to the front frame at the point on the front frame within the circle designated 22 in FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary view of the upper portion of the pedestal and illustrating the attachment thereof to the desk top, the view being in vertical section along the line 23-23 of FIG. 3 with certain portions broken away;

FIG. 24 is a top elevational view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating the front left corner of the desk top, the center drawer therein, and the pedestal mounted therebeneath, the drawers having been removed from the pedestal whereby better to illustrate the locking mechanism for the drawers;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of the portion of the locking mechanism illustrated in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a view in vertical section along the line 2727 of FIG. 26 and further illustrating the cooperation of the center drawer with the locking mechanism;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 26 and illustrating the parts in the unlocked position thereof;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section along the line 29-29 of FIG. 25 and illustrating further details of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 30 is a view in vertical section along the line 30-30 of FIG. 29 and further illustrating the cooperation between the locking mechanism and a typical drawer to be locked thereby;

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic plan view of the pedestal with a drawer therein and illustrating the relationship between the locking mechanism, the keeper and the stop arm thereon;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary view in horizontal section of the portion of the structure enclosed within the circle 32 in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view in vertical section along the line 33-33 of FIG. 31 and illustrating the engagement between the stop' arm and the latch of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 34 is a view of the front end of the pedestal with the shelf and drawers therein in section to illustrate better the mounting of the shelf and drawers within the pedestal;

FIG. 35 is a view in longitudinal section in the direction of the arrows along the line 35-35 of FIG. 34 and illustrating further details of the mounting of the shelf and the box drawer, the drawer being shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 36 is also a view in longitudinal section taken along the line 36-36 of FIG. 34 and illustrating further details of the mounting of the file drawer in the pedestal, the file drawer being illustrated in dashed lines;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged fragmentary view with certain portions broken away illustrating the construction of the back panel and the connection thereof to the desk top and the adjacent desk pedestal;

FIG. 38 is a View in vertical section along the line 38-38 of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the connection between the back panel and the desk top;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view with certain portions broken away illustrating the construction of the end panel and the connection thereof to the desk top and to the back panel;

FIG. 41 is a view in vertical section along the line 4141 in FIG. 40; and

FIGS. 42 and 43 are enlarged views of that portion of FIG. 41 within the circle designated 42 and illustrating the internal construction of the end panel.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 4 thereof, there is illustrated a piece of furniture made in accordance with and embodying the prin' ciples of the present invention, a lefthand single pedestal desk having been shown for purposes of illustration. The desk 100 includes a desk top 101 at one end of which is disposed a pedestal supported by a pair of legs 500 having associated feet 520, the pedestal 159 having mounted therein a shelf 190, a box drawer 210 and a file drawer 270, the shelf being provided with a pull 190P, the box drawer 210 being provided with a pull 210P and the file drawer 270 being provided with a pull 2701. Mounted on the other end of the desk top 101 is an end panel 450 supported by a pair of legs 550 having associated feet 570, the space between the pedestal 150 and the end panel 450 at the rear of the desk top 101 being closed by a back panel 400; as may be best seen in FIG. 3, the back panel 400 is provided with a pair of wiring openings 415 for the reception of telephone wires and the like. There further is mounted on the desk top- 101 a center drawer 380 and a depending front wall or skirt 390, a lock 360 being provided in substantially the center of the front edge of the desk top 101 to lock the several drawers 210, 270 and 380.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 13 of the drawings, additional details of construction of the desk top 101 will "be described. As is best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the desk top 101 includes a generally flat top plate 102 that is generally rectangular in shape, the corners thereof being rounded, the periphery of the top plate 102 being essentially the same as the periphery of the desk top 101. Disposed beneath the top plate 102 and extending around the periphery thereof is an edging 103 also formed of sheet metal, a substantially flat piece of sheet metal having been deformed to 104, a side flange 105, a mounting flange 106, a bottom flange 107 and an upturned flange 108. More specifically, the attachment flange 1 is disposed against the underside of the top plate 102 but is spaced inwardly with respect to the outer edge thereof, the outer edge of the attachment flange 10d carrying thereon the mounting flange 106 which is offset downwardly away from the underside of the top plate 102 and extends outwardly slightly beyond the outer edge thereof. As illustrated, the side flange 105 is integral with the mounting flange 106 and depends therefrom and extends slightly inwardly toward the center of the top plate 102, the flange 105 making an angle of for example 75 with respect to the mounting flange 106. The bottom flange 107 is disposed on the lower edge of the side flange 105 and extends inwardly substantially parallel to the flanges 104 and 10d and carries on the inner end thereof the upturned flange 108 that extends upwardly toward the top plate 102 and is disposed substantially normal thereto and to the bottom flange 107. Preferably the edging 103 is formed of two pieces secured to the top plate 102 by welding at the attachment flange 104 and the abutting edges of the edging 103 located substantially at the midpoints of the shorter top sides are also welded to form seams therebetween. By reference to FIG. 5 it will be seen that the attachment flange 104 is cut out as at 109 at the corners of the table top 101 to permit bending of the remaining portions thereof without providing overlapping of the attachment flanges 104.

Also disposed on the underside of the top plate 102 is a reinforcing sheet 110 formed from a substantially flat piece of sheet metal bent to provide attachment portions 111, ribs 112 having side walls 113, and connecting portions 114 at the periphery thereof. The attachment portions 111 are disposed toward the underside of the top plate 102, there being a body of mastic 115 applied therebetween (see FIG. 11), the preferred mastic being a heat curing mastic sold under the trademark Presstite No. 719. The attachment portions 111 are further connected to the top plate 102 by welding as at 116, the heat from the welding operation curing the mastic whereby both the mastic 115 and the weld 116 serve to interconnect the attachment portions 111 and the top plate 102 to provide a firm connection therebetween, the mastic also serving to deaden sound transmission therebetween. The side walls 113 depend downwardly from the attachment portion 111 to form the ribs 112 which are spaced from the underside of the top plate 102. The connecting portions 114 are offset from the underside of the top plate 102 to accommodate therebetween portions such as the attachment flange 104 on the edging 103, the three layers mentioned being connected as by welding at 116.

Also mounted beneath the top 101 are two longitudinally extending and substantially parallel and spaced apart mounting channels 120, each mounting channel 120 including a longitudinally extending main wall 121 and a pair of depending side flanges 122 carrying on the lower ends thereof respectively inturned holding flanges 123. As will be explained in detail hereinafter, all of the other parts of the desk 100 are mounted upon the desk top 101 by means of the mounting channels 120.

Disposed on the upper surface of the top plate 102 provide an attachment flangeis a covering 125, preferably formed of a synthetic organic resin, the preferred materials being those sold under the trademarks Textolite, Micarta and Formica. An adhesive is applied both to the upper surface of the top plate 102 and to the lower surface of the covering 125 to provide a good bond therebetween, the preferred adhesive being a synthetic rubber resin adhesive of the contact type such as that sold under the trademark D-SOO by the Armstrong Cork Co., the two parts being oven heated to about 200 F. to drive off the volatile ingredients in the adhesive. The outer edge of the covering 125 extends slightly beyond the outer edge of the top plate 102 (see FIGS. 9 and 12). The upper outer corner being slightly beveled as at 126.

To complete the desk top 101, a decorative trim is provided therearound (see FIGS. 8, 9 and 12 particularly). In a first preferred form of the trim 130, it comprises a length of extruded aluminum metal including a decorative body 131 having a rounded or curved outer surface 132 extending from adjacent to the upper surface of the covering 125 and downwardly below the upper edge of the edging 103 and terminating in the bottom edge 133. Integral with the body 131 is a neck 134 from which extends an integral mounting tongue 135, the tongue being concavely curved as viewed in FIG. 12 and having an inner end 136 disposed against the undersurface of the top plate 102. As constructed, the neck 134 and the mounting tongue 135 both lend resiliency to the trim at the respective points indicated and, as is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 8, the trim 130 is installed upon the desk top 101 by progressively urging the mounting tongue 135 into the space defined between the outer edge of the top plate 102 and the mounting flange 106 on the edging 103. Preferably before installation the mounting tongue 135 has a curvature such that the thickness thereof as viewed in FIG. 12 is greater than the space between the top plate 102 and the flange 106, whereby the mounting tongue 135 must be resiliently deformed upon insertion into that space, whereby the neck 13 i and the inner end 136 are pressed against the underside of the top plate 102 while the lower surface of the mounting tongue 135 presses against the upper surface of the mounting flange 106. The resilient neck 134 also accommodates a small amount of movement between the trim body 131 and the mounting tongue 135, thereby to accommodate slight variations in the abutment between the body 131 and the covering 125, preferably the body 131 having an inwardly directed sharp edge 137 that bears into the covering 125 slightly below the upper surface thereof at the bevel 126.

There is illustrated in FIG. 13 of the drawings a modification of the trim, it being noted that the covering 125 also has a notch 126A at the periphery thereof in lieu of the bevel 126 described above with respect to FIG. 12. The trim 130A illustrated in FIG. 13 is preferably formed of sheet metal, the preferred material being stainless steel, which is bent to provide an outer wall 131A, a top flange 132A, a bottom flange 133A, a curved portion 134A, a mounting tongue 135A and an inner end 136A. As illustrated, the outer wall 131A is disposed essentially vertically and carries on the upper edge thereof the top flange 132A that extends inwardly and slightly upwardly the outer wall 131A extends downwardly at least to the top of the edging 103 and carries on the lower end thereof the bottom flange 133A that extends inwardly toward the space formed between the top plate 102 and the mounting flange 106. The curved portion 134A extends upwardly from the bottom flange 133 to bear against the undersurface of the top plate 102 and the mounting tongue 135A extends downwardly therefrom and presses'against the upper surface of the mounting flange 106, and the inner end 136A is integral therewith and extends upwardly to contact the underside of the top plate 102. Prior to the 

